Renji Misugi creates works based on the concepts of "art instruction" and "art history," drawing from his experiences as an art teacher. His works are rooted in the questions he has as an artist about "what art is," as well as the contradictions he faces as an instructor while teaching art to his students in schools and painting classes.

For example, his work titled "Painting with Voice" presents his own voice as the artwork, which he uses when giving painting instruction. This work manifests the "twist" that constantly lies between "art and education" in the form of his instructional words.

Another example is the "Thousand Buddhas Project," an art project that continues in temporary housing for victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake. It is composed of charcoal drawings of Buddha created by the hands of the survivors. Renji Misugi is not only a contemporary artist who practices art within the world of art itself but also a pioneer who brings art into society.

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　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Art Journalist: Hibiki Tsuge